Xi Meng Yao, the daughter-in-law of the late Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho, recently indulged in Hanoi's eclectic culinary scene during a trip to Vietnam's capital city. The Chinese supermodel offered her Instagram followers an inside look at some of the trendiest upscale dining establishments in Hanoi.
On February 19th, Yao shared photos from a chic French-inspired bistro nestled within a luxury hotel in central Hanoi. Enveloped in an air of Parisian romance, this hip hideaway has earned renown for its whimsical “Garden of Eden” - an enchanting indoor garden dotted with ornately decorated trees.
Yao snapped pics in the bistro's cozy yet elegant interior, awash in classic yellow and brown hues. The diverse menu runs the gamut from brunch sets and afternoon tea to evening cocktails and late-night nibbles. For a song, guests can feast on the 90-minute brunch menu for around 180,000 VND (7 USD). The brunch sets couple a main dish like croque madame or eggs benedict with coffee, juice or tea.
Come late afternoon, the resident patissier presents an artful afternoon tea service for 399,000 VND. Sweet and savory French pastries adorn a tiered cake stand, complemented by a pot of tea or coffee. Canapés, finger sandwiches and premium loose-leaf teas add to the indulgence.
The day before, on February 18th, Yao was spotted dining at another haute hangout in Hanoi. The famously discreet supermodel demurred on details, but internet sleuths soon deduced the restaurant's identity.
Described as a "private kitchen", this exclusive venue only accepts reservations for up to 10 guests per seating. The intimate Japanese restaurant has racked up accolades as one of Hanoi's premier culinary experiences. The omakase-style menu centers on seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation by award-winning chefs.
With dishes often reaching upwards of 6 million VND each, this is not your average sushi spot. The stellar cuisine showcases premium Japanese beef, spiny lobster and other luxury ingredients not found at everyday Hanoi eateries. Yao's photos reveal an artistic plating of shrimp, scallops and wagyu beef.
After almost 15 years strutting down runways and posing for campaigns, Yao has scaled back her modeling career since marrying into the legendary Ho family in 2019. The Hong Kong-born model tied the knot with Mario Ho, son of the so-called "King of Gambling" Stanley Ho and his fourth wife, Angela Leong.
Yao and Mario now have two young children, while she focuses her attention on family and business ventures. Her new priorities have even earned Yao the respect of her once-skeptical mother-in-law, according to reports.
The late Stanley Ho built Macau into the world's gambling mecca during his storied career. His company SJM Holdings operated 19 casinos in the Chinese enclave before his 2020 passing at age 98. Extremely prolific in both business and family life, Ho fathered 17 children with four different wives.
This convoluted family dynamic led to frequent clashes over Ho's massive fortune after his death. But 31-year-old Yao seems to have forged strong ties with her in-laws. Her foodie tour of Hanoi offers a glimpse into the luxe lifestyle of one of Asia's wealthiest clans.
A Supermodel's Culinary Tour of Hanoi
Hanoi evokes images of street food stalls and bustling markets, but Stanley Ho's daughter-in-law discovered the city also excels at refined dining. Yao's Instagram chronicles two very different upscale restaurants, each offering a world-class culinary experience.
Chic French Bistro
Hip bistro inside a luxury Hanoi hotel blends French fare with a cozy yet upscale ambiance.
Instagrammable "Garden of Eden" features whimsical indoor landscaping.
190,000 VND brunch sets keep costs low for a lavish morning meal.
Elaborate afternoon tea with savory and sweet French pastries runs around 400,000 VND.
Private Japanese Kitchen
Intimate venue described as a "private kitchen" with 10 seats for reservation-only omakase dining.
Renowned as one of Hanoi's top splurge-worthy restaurants, with most dishes over 6 million VND.
Seasonal ingredients like Japanese wagyu beef and spiny lobster flown in to create one-of-a-kind tasting menus.
Meticulous preparation by award-winning chefs elevates the dining experience.
Yao's photos feature artistic presentations of shrimp, scallops and premium beef.
Inside the Life of a Casino Heiress
Xi Meng Yao was a Victoria's Secret model before marrying Mario Ho in 2019 and joining one of Asia's wealthiest families.
Her father-in-law Stanley Ho was considered the "King of Gambling" for building Macau into the world's largest gaming hub.
Ho had 17 children from four different marriages before passing away in 2020, resulting in clashes over his billion-dollar inheritance.
Yao has cut back on modeling to focus on raising two young children and getting involved in the family business empire.
The 35-year-old has earned the approval of her once-wary mother-in-law Angela Leong.
Trips like Yao's Hanoi culinary tour provide a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of a Macau casino heiress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stanley Ho's Family and Legacy
Stanley Ho became a legendary figure in Macau thanks to his pivotal role elevating the city into the world's premier gaming destination. But Ho's complex personal life, especially relating to his billion-dollar inheritance, has also sparked fascination. Here are some common questions about the Ho family drama.
How did Stanley Ho build his casino empire?
Ho secured a monopoly license in 1962 to operate all casinos in Macau. His company SJM Holdings went on to open over 20 world-class casino resorts like the Grand Lisboa, turning Macau into the "Las Vegas of Asia." Gambling revenue now dwarfs that of Vegas.
How many wives and children did Stanley Ho have?
The Hong Kong business mogul had 17 children with four different wives. Ho met his first wife, Clementina Leitão, in Hong Kong shortly before World War II. They had four children together. Ho later married Ina Chan, Lucina Laam, and Angela Leong.
What conflicts have erupted over Ho's will?
Ho did not leave a clear will, leading to messy court battles over his estimated $6 billion fortune. Several children accused Ho's fifth wife Angela Leong of manipulating the tycoon to gain control over his assets. Leong also feuded with Ho's daughter Daisy over holdings in SJM Holdings.
Who is Mario Ho, Stanley Ho's son who married supermodel Xi Meng Yao?
Mario Ho is Stanley Ho and Angela Leong's eldest son together. He serves as an executive director at SJM Holdings. In 2019, Mario married Xi (or She), a Chinese model who walked in the Victoria's Secret fashion show. They now have two young children.
Has Xi Meng Yao been accepted by the Ho family?
There were concerns that Mario's supermodel wife was only interested in the family's wealth. But reports indicate Xi has started to gain the trust of her mother-in-law Angela Leong after leaving modeling to focus on her kids and getting involved with the family business.